MaskerAide in 2014. Lets Hear It For Plump, Moist Skin!

I've missed you guys!  It feels good to be upright and functional again!
So, how's everything?  I hope 2014 has been good to everyone so far!
I have made a decision about this year.  I'm going to make some changes. 
I'm stuck in a style rut, I'm turning 40, and I recently found out that I have Lupus.
Because of my condition my nails, hair, and skin are all dry like the Mojave.  I've also gained some weight, which has sent my confidence down a deep, dark, cold hole in the ground.
I want my soft, glowy skin and hair back!
I want to be brave with my style choices again!
So, I'm going to get these things
And, you're all coming to get them with me!
This is the first post in a series that is going to show us all how to make 2014 healthier, prettier and braver for all of us!
Why shouldn't we look after ourselves?  It doesn't have to be expensive and time consuming!
Unless, that's your thing.  If it is, then knock yourself out!
Alright!  First things first!
Let's get our dry, flaky winter skin under control!

                                             

 

 

 Masks are essential for skin health!  I use them regularly, so I was immediately interested in getting my hands on a MaskerAide sheet mask!

What makes these different than other masks, is the feel of the product on the sheet.  Every MaskerAide mask has Argan Oil in the formula which lends a beautiful richness to the serum-like feel.  Other hydrating masks tend to feel fresh and creamy.  While comforting, I just don't feel as plump after the other masks.  The hydration really did last for days after the initial use!

The application couldn't be easier either!  After a good cleanse and exfoliation, remove the mask from the package, place the mask on your face and reeelaaaxxx!  After 10 or 20 minutes (I really recommend 20.  A little nap never hurt anybody!) remove the mask.  You can rinse if you want, but I suggest just massaging in the serum that's left on the skin.  It feels delicious!  Let everything soak in for a few and follow up with the rest of your routine!  I will say that it's best done at night, or on a day where you don't need makeup.  A little shine is going to happen, ladies!

I did my first Weather Warrior while I was sick.  My skin was dry and dull and angry when I started out.  Let me tell you, it was happy and comfortable after.

There are five different types of MaskerAide masks.  They cover pretty much every skin need out there, and are safe for all skin types.  If healthy, fresh, alive looking skin is what you're after, MaskerAide is for you!  At $5.99 they're a huge steal.

This was such a good start to my "Year of New Donna"!

I can't wait to share my journey with everyone, and take you with me!

I'd love to hear what you guys think about all of this?  There's some pretty exciting things coming up, so brace yourselves Ladies and Gents!

 

Donna Xoxo

 

                   *This product was sent for consideration, however, all opinions are my own!



 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

My Big, Fat, Flu Life-Savers.

I'm a baaaaad blogger. 

I've had a horrible flu for almost two weeks, so, I've been MIA. 

My concentration is that of a first grader, and I'm not loaded with wit. 

I did, however, want to drop in to say Hi. While I'm here, let's talk about the three things that have been saving my life since I've been sick. 

When you're sick and exhausted the least appealing idea in the world is having to go through the whole procedure of washing your face, but it can get really grimy between pillowcases and Kleenex. The answer is a good cleansing cloth. Something gentle, but effective, like the Willa cloths above. I also love the Yes To Cucumbers cleansing cloths. So soothing, and easy!

A good lip conditioner is your BFF when the flu hits!  The rise in body temp dries everything out, so grab something extra emollient. My all time favourite is by a brand called Qtica. It's only sold in salons, unfortunately, but if you see it grab it!  Until then, try Polysporin Night balm. These both have the feel and texture of an ointment. That's the trick right there!

Last, but not least;  

How can we even talk  the flu without bringing up Neo Citrans?  Speaking of which, I really need one!

I'm also going to show off my couch partner, Annie.  Without my girl it would have been so very dull!  

This face is a little bit of Heaven, no?

What are your go-to's for when you're under the weather?

Donna Xoxo

How to Look Fresh and Pretty On Cold Days Like These.

Winter is officially kicking our asses!
We have been covered in six inches of ice, as well as blasted with -40 degree temperatures.
We now know that a Polar Vortex exists, don't we!
Holy Hell, I wish we didn't!
I am past the point of needing to look chic when I go out the door.
Winter, you win.
I will have hat-head, which for a short haired girl is BAD with a capital B.
I will not compromise on wearing the right makeup, though! Thankfully, I don't have to!
Weather like this is the best time to bust out a flushed cheek and a pretty lip!
The trick is prepping the skin, and using the correct products.

Hydrating, waterproof, and illuminating are your best word friends during a cold snap.
 A rich moisturizer will protect your skin from wind burn, regardless of skin type. (Don't forget the SPF!  So important!)  It's usually best to avoid a full coverage foundation and go with a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  Go for a smooth, even finish that's dewy.  A little concealer, and that's all she wrote! 
Skin gets so dull when the temperatures drop.  That's when a cream or liquid hilighter comes in handy.  Put some life back into those cheekbones!  You already know I love Pearl by MAC, but Joe Fresh makes some great ones!
Cheek colour is wonderful in the winter!  It's the perfect time for a pretty pink flush!  Benefit Posietint is my fave cheek product right now.  I love the sheerness of it, and the fact that it DOES NOT BUDGE!  Hugely important when you are wind-blown and partly covered by scarves and misery.
A waterproof and smudgeproof mascara is mandatory right now.  I learned that one the hard way!  I wore  a terrible mascara one cold winter morning on my way to work.  I had to wear my sunglasses on the bus at seven in the morning like an idiot, to cover rivers of black running down my face.  Charming, I know.  Since then, I have been rocking L'Oreal's Double Extend Mascara religiously!  It gives ma-jah length and volume to lashes, as well as wears through everything!  It also comes off really easily.  If that isn't the best thing ever, then I don't know what is!
Let's keep with the bubblegum pink flush for the lips, shall we?  I'm in love with Benefit's new Hydra-Smooth lip colour!  It has shea and mango butters for smoothness and hydration.  This feels spectacular, and leaves the prettiest sheer pink velvety finish.  Layer the Posietint  under the lipstick to up the intensity, and wear time. 

What are your best tricks for the winter?

Donna Xoxo